For years, I thought Émile Zola's writing was too dark for me. But this autumn, revisiting The Ladies' Paradise (Au Bonheur des Dames) completely changed how I see something as ordinary as shopping in my city.

Join me on a literary walk through Paris as I explore the grand department stores that inspired Zola's masterpiece—Le Bon Marché, Galeries Lafayette, and Printemps—and discover the fabric shops of Montmartre that still hold the magic of the 19th century.

In this video, we'll explore:

• The history of Parisian department stores and their architectural grandeur
• How Zola spent a year researching Le Bon Marché before writing the novel
• The psychology of desire and shopping that Zola understood over 150 years ago
• The textile shops of Montmartre and the beauty of quality craftsmanship
• Why this classic novel feels surprisingly contemporary

Subscribe to follow along with future Book Walks, and let me know in the comments: What classic have you rediscovered with fresh eyes?

📖 My Parisian Reading Rituals : Discover my favorite hidden corners of Paris for reading, pausing, and daydreaming. Download your free guide here : https://theritualofreading.com/my-parisian-reading-rituals/

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